In a tragic incident that marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in over seven decades, at least 128 individuals have lost their lives following a massive blaze that engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Tai Po. The fire, which erupted on Wednesday, has left 79 others injured and dozens still unaccounted for as rescue efforts transition to recovery and investigation.
This calamity not only highlights the fragility of safety measures in urban housing but also raises significant questions about accountability in construction practices, potentially impacting the future of building regulations in the region.
Key Developments
- 128 confirmed deaths, with an additional 79 injured and dozens missing.
- Fire occurred at Wang Fuk Court, undergoing renovations; cause remains undetermined.
- Eight individuals arrested on corruption charges related to the renovation work; three others detained on manslaughter charges.
- Extensive firefighting efforts involved over 2,300 firefighters; blaze extinguished by Friday morning.
- Police to begin evidence collection inside the buildings; ongoing investigation is set to last three to four weeks.
- Community support centers established for displaced residents and families searching for missing loved ones.
Full Report
Incident Overview
The fire started at approximately 14:51 local time on Wednesday, rapidly escalating to a major emergency by 18:22. It originated at a lower level of the Wang Fuk Court and reached a peak temperature of 500°C (932°F), generating conditions that caused reignition in some areas even after firefighters had doused flames.
Casualties and Response
Among the deceased was firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who was tragically found collapsed at the scene. Twelve other firefighters sustained injuries in their efforts to combat the blaze. Casualties also included two Indonesian workers who were on-site during the incident, with many migrant workers still unaccounted for.
Investigation and Arrests
As investigations unfold, authorities have arrested eight individuals, reportedly including directors of an engineering firm and subcontractors. They are suspected of corruption concerning the ongoing renovations at Wang Fuk Court. Additionally, police have detained three others on charges of manslaughter, leading to rising public outrage and calls for accountability.
Community Response
In response to the tragedy, local community centers have opened their doors to accommodate families in search of missing individuals. Authorities have urged family members to assist with identification efforts by providing photographs. Shelters and support initiatives are being set up to aid displaced residents, with volunteers organizing supplies to assist those affected.
Alarming Safety Oversights
Eyewitness reports suggest that many residents did not hear fire alarms when the fire broke out. Investigations by the fire department have found that alarms in all eight blocks were not functioning effectively, with concerns raised that some alarms may have been intentionally disabled by construction workers. Complaints from residents regarding high renovation fees and adherence to fire-safety regulations have also resurfaced, adding to the growing demands for accountability.
Context & Previous Events
The Wang Fuk Court complex was completed in 1983, providing homes for around 4,600 residents, nearly 40% of whom are seniors. This fire stands as one of the most devastating in Hong Kong’s history, second only to the 1948 tragedy that claimed 176 lives during a warehouse explosion.
